Discuss About The Effect On The Mental Health Of Culturally?
Several studies that have focused on the topic of mental health studies, have failed to come up with one agreed the definition of what mental health status is. For example, the World Health Organization ([WHO], 2014) used the following words, “a state of well-being in which very individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (Col. 1). Furthermore, the WHO uses its constitution to express and stress on the positive dimension of mental health as the state of the complete elements of an individual in terms of their social wellbeing, the mental, and physical and not necessarily the absence of infirmity or diseases. It is from this explanation that helps to explain the significance role of mental healthcare and disorders of people. Martin (2012) conducted an examination that studies the mental health status of patients. Martin explains that a mental status involves a structured assessment regarding the cognitive and behavioural functioning of patients. The assessment incorporates the description of general behaviours of patients and their appearances, their levels of attentiveness, consciousness, speech and motor activities, their mood, thinking, perception abilities, insights, attitude, reaction towards an external environment, and their cognitive abilities. However, the most clinically relevant cognitive functioning involves the abstract reasoning, the constructive ability, memory, language, and alertness. Based on the above definitions, it is critical to point out that mental health comprises of different sets that bring out the positive attributes in people. It is a state of the wellbeing that allows an individual to recognize own ability, adapt to the normal stress of life, and work in order to produce for own living or that of the family.
While the attributes that define mental health remain universal, it is critical to note that every culture has a different way of expressing it. Cultures do this in terms of their contexts and how sensitive they that every culture tend to value (Snider & McPhedran, 2014). The social, economic, and political settings help increase their relevancy and success. Besides, different names have also been used when defining the term well-being. Herrman & Jane-Liopis (2012) maintain that Aristotle developed the concept of well-being to differentiate it between a moral life as a way of maintaining happiness and material life. All these were found to form the basic ingredients for meeting basic needs. He went ahead to consider well-being as a multidimensional, immaterial, and a material concept. Furthermore, he believed that any successful community should be able to share common principles regarding what is critical to becoming and living a well-being life. Even though the above definition is ancient, today’s definition reflects ancient contributions and modern science. Hence, it is when a community or an individual shows the stage of doing well or being well in life, showing physical or moral welfare, being happy and healthy, or showing prosperous conditions.
Minas, et al (2013) sought to understand the current mental health status of refugee and immigrant communities in Australia. Furthermore, the study also went ahead to examine whether research in Australian mental health focuses on fact of cultural and linguistic diversity among the Australian population. The third objective looks at whether the data collected on the mental health supports evidence of policy and practise among multicultural Australia. The finding shows that people born outside Australia showed a lower prevalence of substance use disorder, affective, and anxiety. Those that arrived recently indicated to have the lowest rates of disorder. The findings relevant to refugee and immigrant participants showed prevalence in the 2007 survey according to the country of birth (either overseas or Australia) and the year that immigrants arrived in Australia. For example, the financial indicated that those born outside the country had the lowest rates of prevalence in terms of anxiety.
Even though there have been differences in the findings regarding whether the prevalence of common mental disorders among immigrants and refugees are similar, lower, or even higher than Australian NSW (Reilly, et al. 2013; Garg, et al. 2017; Henderson, et al. 2014). The weight of findings from researchers in other countries and those conducted in Australia and most importantly, in NSW, shows that the level of prevalence is similar. Furthermore, the prevalence across certain birth groups of a country, tend to show high variability. The rates of depression, post-traumatic stress, and the anxiety disorder among multicultural Australians livening in NSW such as immigrants and refugees, were between four to five times that the problems among Tamil asylum seekers in Australia (Kalra, Ventriglio & Bhugra, 2015). In addition, a significant proportion of Burmese refugees that live in Australia have been found to show the level of health problems such as post-stress disorders (PTSD), anxiety, and depression (Cyril, et al. 2012).
Additionally, asylum seekers and refugees have been found to remain vulnerable to behaviours that contribute towards suicidal and self-harm tendencies. Among the multicultural communities living in NSW, for example, the results from Grace, et al. (2017) study indicates that the level of the prevalence of self-harm among the detained asylum seekers came out as being higher than the general population. This finding is consistent with research from other countries. Studies focusing on NSW have indicated that suicidal rates among the immigrant population reflect the country of birth. In overall, therefore, immigrants born in outside countries such as European, Northern, and Western countries had higher suicidal rates than South-Eastern Asia, middle-East, and Southern Europe (Dowse, et al. 2016).
The term culturally and linguistically Diverse (CALD) brings together people in terms of culture, ethnicity, and languages that they speak. Most specifically, the term acknowledges diversity that occurs within and between different cultures and in incorporating unique experiences and identities of individuals (Dongxia Xiao, et al. 2013). In this case, therefore, culture brings together all different elements of women lives that incorporates their class, sexuality, ethnicity, disability and religion. According to Posselt, et al. (2017), we do not perceive culture as a fixed category, but that it is something that remain dynamic and adaptable. While ethnicity refers to a part of culture that relates to identification of an individual with a given group while looking at things they do in common (Baker, Procter & Ferguson, 2016). Such things can incorporate language, race, and the country of origin. This definition recognises that women who come from English-speaking backgrounds have similar ethnicities as those that come from non-English speaking backgrounds (Zimbudzi, et al. 2012).
The women that come from culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds are more prone to experiencing the double-disadvantage of gender and cultural diversity likely to cause their needs and issues fail to be recognized or addressed by policy makers (Khawaja, et al. 2013). Consequently, failure to address them would lead to serious social and economic consequences towards the women themselves (Federal of Ethic Communities Council of Australia, [FECCA], (2012). FECCA went ahead to outline a number of issues that affect CALD women in Australia. They include high levels of discrimination, leadership and decision making, parity in terms of income, education, and employment, work-life balance, safety and equality at the places of work, safety at home in terms of domestic and family violence, lateral violence, safety in the community, women in detention centers, accessibility to housing, disability, accessibility to contraception, physical and mental health, and social inclusion and participation. Similarly, another study by Henderson, et al. (2014) understand some of the factors that affect CALD women. The findings identify such issues as lack of suitable resources, lack of cultural competency, and lack of accessibility to treatment areas.
Snider & McPhedran (2014) acknowledge that CALD women have heterogeneous needs. For instance, differences in terms of their country of origin, education, previous work, and family make up, pre-arrival experiences, religion, and age, all contribute to such women having different health and wellbeing needs. Kalra, Ventriglio & Bhugra (2015) explain that the diversity that occurs among CALD women when it comes to their needs and the challenging nature over which such needs occurs, continue to challenge Western health service providers.
CALD women need to be liberated from all forms of violence, discrimination, and racism. Silcox (2016) posit that the majority of health disparities have their roots in critical social structural inequalities. The inequalities relate to racism and other forms of discrimination that take place in societies. The inequalities go beyond the health care and health racial and ethnic groupings. Herrman & Jane-Liopis (2012) argue that racism remain the most disturbing inequality. In case societies fail to examine interaction among different forms of discrimination because of multiple identifies, or better still compartmentalize different forms of discrimination, then any effort put in place might fail to manifest itself. Kalra, et al (2015) explain that policy makes revise different solutions, design programs, and policies with the hope that they will change the nature of discrimination subjected towards CALD women. However, failure to examine interactions can become disastrous not only on women but also policy makers. Racism and discrimination contribute towards undermining of health and wellbeing of CALD women. The Women Health West (WHW) report that some of the examples that explain cases of racist behaves and discrimination include physical threats and psychological intimidation. Societies discriminate against CALD women when they prevent them from participating in social activities such as dancing, participation in opportunities that occur in education and employment, and occupation and domestic safety and security. Herrman & Jane-Liopis (2012) find that Muslim women that put on the veil become vulnerable because of a high chance of being visible to those in the community. However, studies have failed to examine as to whether participation in social activities such as dancing would help improve health status and wellbeing of women. Above studies only focuses on causes and types of discrimination.
CALD women desire the needs of accessibility to affordable and secure housing. Secure nursing has been considered as being important factors that facilitate achievement of stability. It offers settlement for women especially asylum seekers and refugees. Baker, et al (2016) posit that currently, there is the need to increase the availability of options of housing in NSW. Apart from this, there is also the need to achieve service infrastructure that favors NSW. Key things noted by service providers include lack of vacancies and even unacceptability of a long waiting time going up to ten years. Second, there is the need for housing that suits the needs of a given family such as single or large parents. Third, there is an increase in regional demand for the public housing that has led to an increase in private rental markets over a period of the last five years. There is an ever increasing trend that leads towards the formation of ghettos in the Western regions that have high levels of unemployment and incapable infrastructure. Furthermore, the relocation of public housing and an ever increasing in the outer regions from North Melbourne, Maidstone, Braybrook to Werribee and Melton, indicates that residents experience the pressure to vacate and live away from the existing community networks. Additionally, they get themselves socially isolated from participating in activities such as dancing and counselling programs that could assist them achieve high mental health and wellbeing (Rogers & Earnest, 2014).
CALD women need improved access to health services and use. Rogers & Earnest (2015) maintain that women experience barriers to have an awareness concerning available services. There are several opportunities that are available for women to access health services. The study by Dowse, et al (2016) on Australian CALD shows that opportunities that contribute to access among CALD women involves gaining a deeper understanding of the roles provided by services and their relevance about the needs and concerns of women. This includes services such as screening and preventative health care. An opportunity can include bilingual and culturally sensitive practitioners that already understand differences that occur in cultures and behaviors.
CALD women need to benefit from participating in social activities such as dancing and empowerment. Snider & McPhedran (2014) explain that CALD women always desire to feel that the society values them and that they are also capable members of the community just as others. Burkhardt & Rhodes (2012) conducted a study to understand some of the strategies that can be adopted to increase the level of participation among CALD women in societies. The findings revealed that women can take up roles in decision making and management. Such roles can involve identification and development of appropriate cultural health services and care. The findings also showed that women can develop and maintain a good rapport with communities at the grassroot level. Some of the activities include participating in forums, and engaging other women in consultations. Similarly, the Government of South Australia (2012) revealed that women could start to develop knowledge regarding appropriate legislation and their rights. This can go beyond facilitation of where women can access their education, skills, and training.
People Dancing Organization (2017) points out on the importance of participating in physical activities though dancing in order to improve on the mental health and wellbeing among the UK population. The findings show that dancing can bring out four benefits through the life course. During the early years, participating in dance activities ensures an improvement in cognitive and physical development. Furthermore, it also brings people from the different cultural background to enhance their social skills through social interaction. Second, dancing assists children and young people. According to the organization, is that dancing helps to increase cardiovascular fitness, prevent and ensure a total reduction in obesity and self-esteem among young people. Third, the finding shows that dancing among adults help reduce the risk of CHD and Type 2 diabetes. Most importantly, it ensures that adults are able to maintain and keep their bodies fit. The study conducted among UK adults showed that it assisted them in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. While the findings among older people showed that dancing helped increase their social interaction. In overall, therefore, participating in regular dance sessions in an effective way for communities to remain active, engage in fun activities and remain social with everyone despite differences in race, age, ethnicity, or religion.
Craig (2012) study sought to understand ways to improve wellbeing through the sports and physical activities. The study refers to a physical activity as participating in anything that makes our bodies to move. The analysis findings that mental benefits of participating in physical activities such as dancing, training or sporting includes reduction in feeling of stress, makes one to think clearly, reduce anxiety and create happier moods, develops a greater sense for one to remain calm, makes one to develop more self-esteem, and leads to a reduced risk of depression. Furthermore, the study points out that physical activities also contributes to three key social and emotional benefits. One, it makes people to come together and make friends and connect with those that are not within their social networks. Being around a group of people ensures that an individual develops mental health and a strong social network. Second, it makes people have fun. Majority of people enjoy it when active because of the fun part that comes with activity. Furthermore, researchers have also found a strong association between things that people enjoy doing and an overall improvement of wellbeing. Third, it helps challenge stigma and discrimination. According to Sport England Lottery Fund (2017) is that some people find that when they become part of the sporting programme, it assists them reduce the level of stigma connected to an already existing mental health problem. Hence, it is only through participating in local projects with other people that can assist one to start sharing common interests. Consequently, this would help break down on any forms of available barriers while at the same time, challenging discrimination
A recent study by Burkhardt & Rhodes (2012) sought to commission dance to support health and wellbeing of participants. The findings show that dance forms a universal way that people express their cultures to achieve the benefits of positive mental health and wellbeing. Majority of respondents point out that participating in dancing assisted them prevent ill health from diseases such as diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease, depression and cancer. The findings of this study are important because of the study focuses on a heterogeneous group among UK schools.
Wahass (2005) defines counselling as the process of assisting an individual or a group of people in a community to discover and develop own psychological, vocational, and educational potentials and consequently achieve an optimal level of social usefulness and personal happiness. Furthermore, Wahass reiterates that the concept of counselling remains democratic in the manner in which the assumptions rooted in its theory and practice, maintain that people have the right to decide on ways to shape their own destiny. The second assumption of the theory is that mature and experienced members within a multicultural community have the responsibility to ensure that people use their own choices to serve their choices and those of the society. Similarly, Silcox (2016) explain that it remains an implicit part of the philosophy of counselling for objectives remain complementary instead of conflicting. The role of those that guide individuals should not target at compromising between the demands of an individual and those of a society. Instead, counsellors should ensure that they orient individuals or groups of people that need such services towards the opportunity provided by an environment to achieve personal aspirations and personal needs.
Meany-Walen, Davis-Gage & Lindo (2016) argues that counselling involves services provided to a group or individuals that are experiencing mental problems and require professional assistance to assist them overcome. Persistence of problems can keep an individual remain disturbed and experience a lot of tension. Unless one gets a professional assistance, then this could as well hamper personal development, wellbeing, the contribution to the society, and overall positive mental health. Friedli & Parsonage (2009) sought to understand the role of psychologist counsellors in provision of health care. Friedli & Parsonage concludes that counselling psychology forms a specialty discipline of psychology where practitioners use their skills to assist people as groups and individuals to improve their wellbeing, reduce on their levels of distress, respond to crises, and increase the ability for them to elucidate problems and come up with the best decisions. He further explains that counselling psychologists offer their professional assistance to groups and individuals in areas that relate to mental health, wellbeing, interpersonal relationships, crisis management and work.
Friedli & Parsonage (2009) conducted a study among women in Wales’ community to understand the economic case for promoting mental health and prevention of mental illnesses. The women respondents indicate that counselling programs made them receive a recovery approach of improved care, see the value of life, and perform well in their communities. Currently, the Welsh policy spells out that an improvement of mental health among people in Wales’ lies at the heart of the Welsh Assembly Government agenda for the public health. The government focus extents to adopting conventional approaches such as counselling programs in multicultural communities where there are the majority of CALD women, vulnerable groups, and immigrants. Mental Health Coalition (2012) supports above findings and notes that implementing or commissioning school-based counselling services depends on varying types of counselling that is appropriate to the group. For example, the age of the group determines the counselling services. Counselling among children that come from different cultural backgrounds shape them to see ways to solve their problems while at the same time, see the positive side of life as part of developing the positive wellbeing lifestyles. Furthermore, promoting the emotional and mental wellbeing on young people and their parents through counselling support makes them respond well to emotional difficulties. The study concludes that support provides them with the skills on ways to cope with challenges of life, make them understand ways to develop strong relationships, and achieve their potential. Furthermore, it will make the school start to develop healthier and a safe environment.
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